Carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant and a kit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in particular a ground supported solar energy system, comprising a support system and a solar module retainer, which is configured to receive a plurality of solar energy modules in a flat arrangement for the automatic tracking around a swivelling axis between settings, installed pivoting on the support system, where the solar energy module retainer is received at support points of the support system resting at the base on a respective three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements.

The invention concerns a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in particular a ground-supported solar energy plant and a kit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solar energy plants are used to convert solar energy to electricity. Trackable solar energy plants, in the case of which a flat arrangement of solar energy modules tracks the time-dependant position of the sun automatically, have been suggested, in order to use solar radiation as efficiently as possible. This usually takes place by means of pivoting a solar energy module retainer receiving the solar energy modules around a swivelling axis. The solar energy module retainer serves to hold several solar energy modules, equipped with solar cells for their part, in a flat arrangement. The solar energy module retainer is installed on a support system that is usually arranged on the ground itself, for setting up swivelling. Plants that are installed on buildings, particularly on roofs, are also known, apart from this ground-supported version of solar energy plants.

Many different versions of trackable solar energy plants have been suggested to implement the time-dependant tracking of the solar energy module retainer in accordance with the solar setting. Tracking by the solar energy module retainer can take place either in accordance with fixed pre-set time information or controlled by sensors. Information about the actual existing sunlight incidence is collected with the help of sensors in the case of the last version specified, in order to set the pivoting setting of the solar energy module retainer depending on it.

For example, a trackable solar energy plant is known from document DE 103 01 550 A1. A horizontal adjustment unit to pivot the solar energy module retainer around a vertical swivelling axis and an inclination adjustment axis to pivot it around a vertical swivelling axis are planned in the case of the familiar solar energy plants. A tracking device for a photovoltaic plant is also known from document DE 10 2005 014 320 A1. A mechanical coupling of the vertical and the horizontal tracking is planned, so that tracking in the horizontal axis is caused by means of a set movement of the drive for the vertical axis.

A carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in the case of which a three-point arrangement of bearings with a carrier support system carrying the solar energy module retainer is realized, is described in document WO 03/031879 A2. The solar energy module retainer is installed on a support elements enclosed by the support system and implemented with a three-point arrangement of bearings that has rotating bearings to pivot the solar energy module retainer apart from this.

A carrier system for a trackable solar energy system, in the case of which a solar energy module retainer is carried by a support system that plans a three-point arrangement of bearings for an upper and a lower support point, is known from document FR 2,354,590. The solar energy module retainer is arranged as pivoting.

A device to align radiation-sensitive surfaces to stellar sources of radiation, in the case of which a tetrahedron-shaped support system is formed, is known from document DE 36 44 450 A1.

A carrier system for a solar energy plant, in the case of which a retainer is mounted on two posts, is revealed in document U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,704. Finally, document DE 10 2005 015 346 A1 describes a carrier device for a solar energy plant erected as roof-shaped, in the case of which a solar energy module retainer run diagonally on bearings is supported by upright posts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant and a kit for such a carrier system, in the case of which mechanical stability is optimized and that will enable a space-saving construction easy to install.

This task is solved, according to invention, by a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant in accordance with the independent Claim 1 and a kit for such a carrier system in accordance with the independent Claim 18.

A carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in particular ground-supported solar plants, is created, according to invention, with a support system and a solar energy module retainer that is configured to receive a plurality of solar energy modules in a flat arrangement and is installed on the support system pivoting around a swivelling axis for automatic tracking between end settings, where the solar energy module retainer is received by the support system at separated support points of the support system the bases of which rest on a respective three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements.

A kit for a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant with installable module elements for a support system and a solar energy module retainer that is configured to receive several solar energy modules in a flat arrangement and is installed on the support system pivoting around a swivelling axis for automatic tracking between end settings, where the solar energy module retainer is received at separate support points of the support system, the bases of which rest on the respective three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements, is created in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.

One of the following embodiments is formed for the allocated supports in the case of the carrier system and the kit respectively: (i) The bases of the allocated support elements of the respective three-point arrangement of bearings run together in shared support areas and (ii) at least one allocated support element of one of the separated support points runs to another of the separated support points and rests on the three-point arrangement of bearings of the other support point. The support areas for the allocated support elements are restricted to the set-up area with the aid of the running together at the base. The need for space is minimized overall. In the case of version (ii), at least one support element is supported on the three-point arrangement of bearings of the other support point. The option will exist here to form the support element resting on the other support element close to the back of or even integrated into the solar energy module retainer, in the case of one arrangement.

The invention has the advantage in particular, in comparison to the state of technical development, that the mechanical stability of the trackable solar energy plant is improved with the aid of the support elements allocated to the respective three-point arrangement of bearings, which can also be regarded as a three-base support. A three-point arrangement of bearings also secures a stable footing, even in the case of uneven ground conditions. The support points are each supported individually in this way. The carrier can stand on different subsoils, whether on soil, an area of a building or a different suitable area.

Solar energy modules are received by the solar energy module retainer in connection with the suggested plant, both in framed and in versions without frames.

A preferred further embodiment of the invention provides that the support points embrace an upper and a lower support point that support the solar energy module retainer in an upper and a lower section. The solar energy module retainer will preferably be mounted by in this embodiment by means of a particular hinge, enabling it to be pivoted around the swivelling axis stretching along a connection line between the support points.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the allocated support elements extend continuously from the respective three-point arrangement of bearings to the support points. The moment countering an unintended tilting of the solar energy plant is thus optimized, with the aid of the allocated carrier elements preferably extending from the set-up area in one embodiment

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the allocated carrier elements are each preferably executed as a one-piece profile element supporting mechanical stability. The one-piece profile elements are conveniently made of a galvanized material. Moreover, the profile elements are preferably formed as hollow profile elements.

It can be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the swivelling axis is formed close to the back surface of the solar energy module retainer. Thereby, the swivelling axis will be brought as close as possible to the solar energy module.

A further embodiment of the invention can provide that the base of the carrier system rests on a plurality of ground anchors. It is preferred in this embodiment that the ends at the base that run together in a shared carrier area are carried by a shared floor anchor, in relation to the running together of the allocated carrier elements at the base. For example, land ties screwed or twisted into the ground can be used as ground anchors. It is advantageous to be able to dispense with any type of foundation in this case.

A preferred further development of the invention provides an engine-driven traction cable system that is configured to pivot the solar energy module retainer around the swivelling axis between the end settings.

A convenient embodiment of the invention can provide that the engine-driven traction cable system is formed with a traction cable, executed optionally as continuous and with a fixed length, which is fixed at each of the attachment areas of the solar energy module retainer spaced apart from each other and runs across an engine-driven driving roller, coupled to friction. The attachment is made in outer border areas or, more likely, in the centre between the outer edge of the solar energy module retainer and the centre. The length of the traction cable is shortened on one side, while additional traction cable is released on the other side, by means of the turning of the engine-driven driving roller. The traction cable is prevented from slipping on the driving roller because of the friction created between the traction cable and the surface of the driving roller. A profile, on which the traction cable is laid in sections during the pivoting of the solar energy module retainer, is preferably formed on the back of the solar energy module retainer.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention plans that a drive motor of the traction cable system is arranged in the essential centre seen from the front. The most even possible distribution of the driving power to the areas of the solar energy module retainer, in which the traction cable will currently be attached, will be achieved in this way.

A further embodiment of the invention preferably provides that the solar energy module retainer is executed as hinged. It allows both folding longitudinally and transversely with the aid of the hinged version of the solar energy module retainer. A space-saving transportation of the solar energy module retainer, whether to the location of the initial installation or in connection with transportation for the maintenance of a plant already installed once, will be enabled with the aid of the folding version. However, a space-saving storage of solar energy module retainers is also enabled in this way. The solar energy module retainer can contain two, three or more folding partial elements according to its application. Suitable hinges will be arranged in the bends of the solar energy module retainer necessary for folding. It can be planned optionally that the hinges are lockable in the unfolded and/or the folded position of the solar energy module retainer, for example by means of the insertion of a locking bolt.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention can provide that the carrying mounting elements of the solar energy module retainer are executed as cable channel. The necessary electrical lines can be laid from and to the solar energy modules protected in cable channels thus formed.

A further embodiment of the invention can provide that frame elements formed with the cable channel are formed optionally as enclosed cable channels provided with openings for taking cable through, after the installation of the solar energy modules in the solar energy module retainer. Thus, the cables are essentially completely protected in this way.

A preferred further embodiment of the invention provides that the frame elements forming cable channel are formed by means of top hat profile elements. Not only the formation of cable channels is enabled with top hat profile elements. Rather, the top hat profile elements apart from this make protruding side areas available that can be useful for different installation purposes, for example to receive openings for screws or rivets.

A convenient embodiment of the invention can provide that the solar energy modules are secured in the solar energy module retainer by means of non-non-destructive detachable connections that optionally are executed as screw connections. It will only be possible to remove the solar energy modules from the solar energy module retainer if the non-non-destructive detachable connections have been destroyed in advance, at least partly. Thus, in particular an effective safeguard against theft is created. Versions for screw connections only detachable by means of destruction are known as such in different developments. However, screw connections where the nut to be screwed on is provided with a profile that breaks away, particularly a hexagon profile, have proved to be particularly preferred. The profile that breaks away initially serves to position a suitable spanner, when making the screw connection. When the nut has been tightened and the spanner is further actuated, the profile breaks off, leaving a nut without a profile that can be gripped by a spanner, preventing the nut to be loosened.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides brake devices allocated to each end setting, the brake devices being configured to brake each movement of the solar energy module retainer when it is pivoting between the end settings, optionally by means of friction braking. An unwanted impact of the solar energy module retainer at the end settings is prevented with the aid of the respectively allocated braking device. A braking force will be impinged by means of the braking device on the final section of the path to the end setting.

A preferred further embodiment of the invention provides that the braking devices are each formed with a guide section receiving an allocated inserted element formed at the solar energy module retainer, braked by friction. In a design constructible with little effort, the guide section is formed with aid of two flat components spaced apart, into which the allocated inserted element engages as it approaches the end setting, being braked by it at the same time. In one design, the two flat components are held at the pre-selected space by means of a screw connection and a spacer, the space guaranteeing a braking by friction at the introduction of the inserted element,

An advantageous embodiment of the invention can provide arresting means that are configured to detain the solar energy module retainer at each of the end settings. Conveniently, the arresting means is designed such that arresting is only completed if the solar energy module retainer has reached an arrest position in the end setting. This arrest end position serves as a safeguard against averages, if the solar energy module retainer is moved suddenly to the end position, in the case of averages, for example violent wind conditions. The arresting means will preferably be detachable manually, after the solar energy module retainer has been stopped. This means that, in the case of an average, the solar energy module will remain in the in the arrest position until the arresting means has been released manually. Accordingly, the arrest end position can only be taken by the solar energy module if a counterforce settable with the aid of the braking equipment has actually been overcome, which is not the case during the usual swivelling of the solar energy module retainer.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be explained in closer detail in the following with the help of embodiment, taking the figures of a drawing into account. They show:

FIG. 1 A trackable solar energy plant from the back,

FIG. 2 The trackable solar energy plant of FIG. 1 from the side,

FIG. 3 A solar energy module retainer, top view,

FIG. 4 The solar energy module retainer of FIG. 3 from the side,

FIG. 5 An enlarged presentation of an area of a support position, in which the solar energy module retainer has been taken into a support system,

FIG. 6 An enlarged presentation of a catching device and

FIG. 7 An enlarged presentation of a drive motor for a traction cable system.

A carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant is explained in closer detail in the following by means of preferred exemplified embodiments, taking FIGS. 1 to 7 into account. The same reference symbols will be used for the same characteristics in FIGS. 1 to 7 here.

FIG. 1 shows a trackable solar energy plant with a carrier system comprising a support system 1 and a solar energy module retainer 2 installed on it, which is only indicated in FIG. 1 by means of a broken line for simplification. The solar energy module retainer 2 is received at the support system 1 in the area of the support points 3, 4, which are formed opposite an upper and lower area of the solar energy module retainer 2. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged presentation of the area of the support points 3, 4. The solar energy module retainer 2 is carried pivoting around a swivelling axis running coaxially to a connection line running between the two support points 3, 4 and directly through them by means of a respective hinge in the support points 3, 4, in the case of the form of implementation presented. The solar energy module retainer 2 can therefore be pivoted from a central position at a maximum angle of about 50° to both sides, through which the setting of the solar energy module retainer 2 can be adjusted to the solar radiation depending on the date. FIG. 1 shows the solar energy module retainer 2 in a view from the back after a position pivoted to the left.

An engine driven traction cable system with a drive motor 5, operated with the traction cable 6, attached to the solar energy module retainer 2 in the back areas 7, 8 and guided across a driving roller 11 (compare FIG. 7) carried on a drive console is formed to implement the pivoting movement of the solar energy module retainer 2. In accordance with FIG. 1, the traction cable 6 lies on a bent profile 6 a, which is formed as a semicircle in the form presented. In this way, the traction cable 6 will be guided at the pivoting of the solar energy module retainer 2. Sections of it will lie on the bent profile 6 a or be freed from it, according to the pivoting status. The attachment of the traction cable 6 to the solar energy module retainer 2 will be made about the centre, between support position 4 and the outer border areas of the solar energy module retainer 2.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged presentation of the drive motor 5 with the driving roller 11, laid on a winding shaft 12 and traction cable 6 wound around it, from the side. The traction cable 6, preferably made of high-grade steel cable, is drawn to the side and an additional length of cable will be released on the other side by turning the winding shaft 12. The solar energy module retainer 2 is brought to the required pivoting position in this way.

The drive motor 5, which is implemented appropriately as a maintenance-free electric motor, will be connected to a central control device (not represented) by which the control signals that pre-set the swivelling setting of the solar energy module retainer 2 at a respective time will be received. A large number of such solar energy plants are usually set up together at a suitable location, in order to create the required quantity of energy. Up to 100 solar energy plants can be set up, for example. The solar energy plants are controlled to pivot successively by the central control unit in blocks, in groups of about 50 solar energy plants, for example, in order to avoid a power overload during activation and pivoting. An equivalent operating mode in blocks is useful at the start of the plants, in order to prevent a power overload. The control signals are transferred from the central control device across a bus system to which a local control unit in the solar energy plant is then coupled, optionally forming a master-slave arrangement with the central control device.

In accordance with FIG. 1, the solar energy module retainer 2, shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, exhibits transverse carriers 13, 14 on the back, mounted in support positions 3, 4. The trans-verse carriers 13, 14 exhibit longitudinal elements 15, 16 and transverse elements 17, 18 and support a module retainer frame 19 from the back. It is formed with the help of profile elements 20 (compare FIG. 3) that are mounted in the solar energy module (not represented) in accordance with a flat arrangement, whether as a framed or an unframed solar energy module. The profile elements 20 are connected by means of non-non-destructive releasable screw connections 21 (compare FIG. 3). The solar energy modules can only be removed if the non-non-destructive releasable screw connections 21 (compare FIG. 3) have been destroyed at least partly in advance because of this. An effective safeguard against theft is created in particular in this way.

In accordance with FIG. 3, additional braces 22, 23 stiffen the module retainer frame 19 in the areas allocated in the support positions 3, 4. Apart from this, the module retainer frame 19 is planned with the hinge 24, enabling the module retainer frame 19 to be folded, particularly for space-saving transportation and storage. The module retainer frame 19 bends into the areas of the hinge 24 at folding.

Cable channels 25 in which electrical cable can be laid are formed in the profile elements 20 of the module retainer frame 19. After the installation of the solar modules the module retainer frame 19 the cable channels 25 are covered by them, thus substantially forming enclosed cable channels which are of course to be provided with openings to lead out cable at the necessary positions.

The support system 1 comprises two three-foot supports 30, 31 that are formed with the aid of the allocated support elements 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 31 a, 31 b, 31 c and realize a respective three-point arrangement of bearings for the support positions 3, 4 in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, where a representation of the support element 30 c allocated to support point 3 is not shown in FIG. 1 for simplification. This support element 30 c rests on the support elements 31 a, 31 b, 31 c allocated to support position 4 in the form of implementation represented (compare FIG. 2).

An alternative arrangement (not represented), also with several three-point arrangements of bearings, can also provide guiding the support element 30 a up to the range of the set-up area. The allocated support elements 30 a-30 c and 31 a-31 c, which are preferably manufactured as round profile elements in the different arrangements, then each stretch continuously from the foot area 32 to the area of the support positions 3, 4 and run together to shared support areas 33, 34, 35 for the two three-foot supports 30, 31 in the foot area 32. In contrast to this, only support element 31 c extends to support area 31 in the arrangement of support area 35 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereas the support element 30 a leads to support position 4.

The support areas 33, 34, 35 rest for their part on a respective ground anchor 36, 37, 38, which are partly sunk into the ground 39. The ground anchors 36, 37, 38 are provided with the screwing or turning aids 36 a, 37 a, 38 a, for introduction into the ground 39. The braces 40, 41 are formed between the ground anchors 36, 37, 38 in addition.

In accordance with FIG. 2, a catching device 50 is formed at a frame brace 51 above the drive engine 5 of the support system 1. It comprises a braking device 52 with a guide 53, a catching strut 54 and an arresting means 55 with a catch 56, in accordance with the enlarged representation in FIG. 6. The solar energy module retainer 2 will be braked at the respective end setting of the pivoting movement with the aid of the barking device 52, because the catching strut will mesh with the guide 53 formed with the aid of separated flat components and be braked there by friction. The catch 56 will lock the solar energy module retainer 2 there automatically, if it has reached the end area of the end setting. Only by means of manually actuating the catch 56 it can be released; thus forming a safeguard against average.

The features disclosed in this specification, claims and/or the figures may be material for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, taken in isolation or in various combinations thereof. 

1. A carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in particular a ground-supported solar energy plant, comprising a support system (1) and a solar energy module retainer (2), which is configured to receive a plurality of solar energy modules in a flat arrangement and is installed on the support system (1), for tracking automatically pivoting between settings around a swivelling axis, where the solar energy module (2) is taken in at support points (3, 4) of the support system (1) resting at the base on a three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c), wherein one of the following versions has been shaped for the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c): (i) the bases of the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c) of the respective three-point arrangement of bearings run together in joint support areas (33, 34, 35), and (ii) at least one allocated support element (30 c) of one of the separated supported points (3) runs to a different separated support unit (4) and rests on the three-point arrangement of bearings of the different support point (4).
 2. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the support points (3, 4) enclose an upper and a lower support point that support the solar energy module retainer (2) in an upper and a lower section.
 3. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c) stretch continuously from the respective the three-point arrangement of bearings to the support points (3, 4).
 4. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c) are each executed as a one-piece profile element.
 5. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the swivelling axis is formed adjacent the back surface of the solar energy module retainer (2).
 6. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base of the support system (1) rests on several ground anchors (36, 37, 38).
 7. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an engine-driven traction cable system (5, . . . , 12) that is configured to pivot the solar energy module retainer (2) around the swivelling axis between the end settings.
 8. The carrier system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the engine-driven traction cable system (5, . . . , 12) is formed optionally with a traction cable (6), executed continuously and with a retained length, is fixed in attachment areas distanced from each other (7, 8) of the solar energy module retainer (2) respectively and runs coupled by friction through an engine-driven driving roller (11).
 9. The carrier system in accordance with claim 7, wherein a drive engine (5) of the traction cable system (5, . . . , 12) is arranged on the solar energy module retainer (2) in the essential centre in the line of sight from the front.
 10. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solar energy module retainer (2) is executed as hinged.
 11. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein carrying mounting elements (20) of the solar energy module retainer (2) are formed as mounting elements (20) forming a cable channel (25).
 12. The carrier system in accordance with claim 11, wherein mounting elements forming the cable channel (25) are executed as closed cable channels in accordance with an installation of the solar energy modules in the solar energy module retainer (2) that are provided optionally with openings for taking cable through.
 13. The carrier system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the mounting elements forming the cable channel (25) are formed by means of top hat profile elements.
 14. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solar modules are secured in the solar energy module retainer (2) by means of not non-destructive detachable connections (21) optionally executed as a threaded joint.
 15. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, wherein by braking fittings (52) in the end settings configured to brake a movement of the solar energy module retainer (2) during pivoting, optionally by means of a friction brake, allocated respectively to the end settings.
 16. The carrier system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the braking fittings (52) with friction braking are each formed with a guide section (53) that takes in an allocated inserted element (54) formed on the solar energy module retainer (2).
 17. The carrier system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising means of stopping (55) that are configured to stop the solar energy module retainer (2) at the respective end settings.
 18. A kit for the installation of a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant in accordance with claim 1, with installable module elements for a support system (1) and a solar energy module retainer (2) that is configured to receive a plurality of solar energy modules in a flat arrangement and is installed pivoting on the support system (1) for automatic tracking between end settings on a swivelling axis, where the solar energy module retainer (2) is accepted by the support system (1) at separated support points (3, 4) the bases of which rest on each three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c), wherein one of the following versions has been formed for the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c): (i) The bases of the allocated support elements (30 a, 30 b, 30 c; 31 a, 31 b, 31 c) of the respective three-point arrangement of bearings run together in joint footing areas (33, 34, 35), and (ii) at least one of the allocated support elements (30 c) of one of the separated support points (3) runs to a different separated support point (4) and rests on the three-point arrangement of bearings of the other support point (4). 